My sister played a big part in kicking my 'I can't run' belief to the curb. In the spring of 2013, she started running. Seeing her progress and hearing how much she enjoyed it stuck with me. The competitive nature in me surfaced, and I decided to give it a try. Read more about how I started here.

Early in her training, she signed up for her first race, the Toronto Women's 8K. She asked me if I wanted to run it with her. I knew this would be a great way to show her how much I appreciated the inspiration and support she had given me in starting to run. How do you say thanks for something that becomes so much a part of your days? Perhaps by freezing our butts of in the rain!

Throughout the week leading up to the race, my sister and I kept checking the forecast hoping that it would change. No amount of checking or wishing changed the forecast though--and on race day I woke up to gusting winds, cold temperatures and pouring rain. Needless to say our texts back and forth that morning were not ones of, "This will be amazing!" I knew that the layers that worked well in last week's STWM 5K would not be enough for this race. Hubby volunteered to make us some impromptu rain jackets from blue recycling bags. I decided on running tights, long sleeve wicking tee, technical jacket, socks, gloves, ear warmer and hat to keep the rain out of my eyes.

We made our way to Sunnybrook Park, trying to soak up as much of the heat from the car as possible. My hubby, brother-in-law and nieces dropped us at the start and went to find parking. We huddled under the trees with the other runners, everyone desperately trying to stay dry. We shivered our way through the warm up, my sister's teeth chattering away loudly. I think everyone was thankful when it was time to start, in hopes of warming up. Our little cheering section made it to see us off in our beautiful rain gear.

The start was somewhat of a blur of rustling bags, jackets and runners with their heads down. Thankfully the rain had slowed somewhat. Within seconds, I lost sight of my sister as she surged ahead. I hoped that she wasn't pushing too hard, but also knew that she was younger and fitter than I was, so I smiled and watched her go. The race from the previous week was still fresh in my mind--and body--so I tried to keep my pace slightly slower. I was also slowed down by the puddles along the path as runners moved back and forth on the path ahead to avoid them. At around the 3K mark I had started to warm up slightly, so I tore the plastic bag rain coat off and threw it out in a garbage bin along the path.

Rachel Hannah (I would come to hear this name a lot more in future races!) blew by in the other direction having already passed the half way point. Many of us cheered in astonishment. Despite the weather conditions, the volunteers along the route were smiling and encouraging. As more runners passed by going the other direction, I scanned the faces for my sister. When she passed, she looked strong and happy, albeit a little drenched by the rain. We exchanged a big smile and cheer.

Once reaching the halfway turnaround, it seemed that everyone given up on trying to avoid at the puddles and splashed right through. I knew that my pace was a little slower than the race last week, but I still felt the intensity of pushing as hard. The path became busier with the 5K runners joining the route back. Everyone trekked along, seeming especially focused on their own races and getting it done.

I crossed the finish line feeling spent. I scanned the crowds and spotted my sister proudly wearing her first race medal and smiling. With a hug of congratulations, we shared our stories of the race and joined our slightly frozen fans on the sidelines for a couple photos.

Despite the rain, puddles, cold and wind we were happy to have done this race together. I was glad to be able to share this moment with the person who had really inspired me to give running a try, and motivated me by example to continue. It was my way of saying thanks. Running was one of the best gifts she could have given me.